'Selma' Historically Inaccurate, Still Entertaining

An invitation to a pre-release screening of the movie "Selma" brought mixed emotions to my heart, and tears to my eyes. As I sat in the theater, I was transported back to the time when my uncle, Martin Luther King, my daddy A.D. King, and so many civil rights icons were embroiled in the historical cross-hairs that brought equity to the voting rights of blacks in America.

It was during that same season that daddy's and mother's church parsonage was bombed in Birmingham. The little girls, one a classmate of mine, were killed in the bombing of the church. It was also the season of my first civil rights march, a "Children's March" where daddy, James Orange and others taught me the tenets of nonviolent protests. I write about these days in my book, "King Rules."

Even though I wasn't on the team of consultants who worked with the producers, I'm glad the film is in the atmosphere. While Selma is historically informative and entertaining, having lived through those days, I would have appreciated more historical accuracy. I know that everyone can't be included in such projects, but on a personal note, I was saddened to find no mention of my dad, who not only marched in Selma, Ala., but was also felled — and recovered — along with not only John Lewis, but with many others, including Hosea Williams — and my dearly departed friend James Orange.

So many people have contacted me regarding the overtones regarding references to Uncle Martin Luther King's responses to the attacks on his personal life. I have only this to say. Like all of the Bible heroes, my uncle was a human being, an imperfect man who served a perfect God. He and daddy are in heaven now, in the company of David, Moses, Paul, Rahab, the woman at the well, the woman caught in the act, etc. 

Uncle Martin Luther King was a devoted prophet and man of God. Need I say more? Overall, I enjoyed the film, which I recommend for viewing.

Dr. Alveda C. King grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is a pastoral associate and director of African-American outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. Her family home in Birmingham, Ala., was bombed, as was her father’s church office in Louisville, Ky. Alveda herself was jailed during the open housing movement. Read more reports from Dr. Alveda C. King — Click Here Now.